Yak Herring

[mdrew9]

Hey this is my first attempt at trying to take pictures of my flies, I know my pictures are horrible. This fly is approximately 9" long.
Tied on a Gama SL15 4/0 hook. Yak hair used on this fly is 14" Yellow, Pink, White, and Olive. The body is pearl plastic canvas, much cheaper than Bills Body Braid I picked up 10 yards for 80 cents. Thread is Danvilles Flat Waxed Nylon in White, also in Red. Throat on this fly is Red Saltwater Krystal Flash. I tried blending some colors, but it might be hard to see in the photo. Let me know what you think.
Mike

[mdrew9]

Ok that picture is horrible I will try to take another one tomorrow.

[FLYRODER]

Here's a pic of Yak Hair Herring/Bunker flies tied Sedotti Slammer style:

[jo53mo]

Flyrodder, what type and size hook are you using, also is it a hi-low tie?

[mdrew9]

I tied another one, and took a fresh picture here you go. The yellow still isn't coming out like I want it to. I also think I need some more olive.
Mike

[MrAugust]

I've been trying to come up with some bigger flies using Yak hair as well. I have attached a pic of a bigger bunker pattern that I have been working on to throw at Stripers when they aren't eating the little stuff....(this is just shy of 12 inches but light as a feather due to the Yak hair adding bulk without a ton of material...) Can't wait to try it out! It won't be long now....

[FLYRODER]

jo53mo it's a Gamakatsu 8/0 Octopus straight shank hook and yes it is hi/low tied. here's another pic:

[sandy]

I've tied a couple of large yak flies this winter as well. I am wondering how easy it is to toss one of these 10+ inch flies though. I didn't have any in my box last season so I don't know.

[FLYRODER]

I am wondering how easy it is to toss one of these 10+ inch flies though. You have to tie lead onto the shank of the hook then you also need to make a keel out of strips of lead and the fly will cast like a dart.

[sandy]

I put lead on the shank, but how does the keel work?

[mdrew9]

If you cut like inch strips of lead, then bunch them together on the botttom side of the hook then wrap the mono around. Thats the way I make the keel.

[ruge13]

You can also cut large split shot, or bank sinkers (work best) with pliers or heavy wire cutters if you don't have lead wire around. Tie that below. Works great for flies over 12 inches or so, and tied like a sail with bulky materials.

[sandy]

thanks, I'll give it a try.

[FLYRODER]

1/4 INCH STRIPS OF .030 LEAD TIED UNDER THE HOOK SHANK:
http://reel-time.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2288